Science
SCIENCE
COURSE SEQUENCE
3
credits required for graduation
| Grade
9 |
Grade
10 |
Grade
11 |
Grade
12 |
| 1
Credit |
1
Credit |
1
Credit |
1
Credit |
|
Foundations
of Life Science
with Lab
Honors
Foundations of
Life Science with Lab
|
Foundations
of Physical Science with Lab
Honors
Foundations of Physical Science with Lab
|
Biology
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
Physics
Honors Physics
AP Physics I
Human Anatomy and Physiology
|
Biology
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
Physics
Honors Physics
AP Physics II
Environmental Science
Forensics
Human Anatomy and Physiology |
SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE WITH LAB (1
credit)
Foundations of Life Science with lab is designed to develop
the student’s scientific inquiry skills across life and
earth/physical sciences with a focus on preparing the student
for the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). The application
of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the
curriculum. The laboratory explores the concepts of conservation
of matter and energy as they relate to physical, chemical,
biological and geological systems. The student will be exposed
to hands-on laboratory investigations, which consist of a series
of projects designed to lead the student through independent
and/or team research and scientific exploration. Course content
reflects the Connecticut science framework.
HONORS FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE WITH LAB (1
credit)
The honors section is a more rigorous application of the
Foundations of Life Science with Lab, as previously described. Topics
are covered more in depth and include additional hands-on laboratory
work. Individual student research topics in Life Science
are emphasized in this course.
FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE WITH LAB (1
credit)
Foundations of Physical Science with Lab furthers the development
of the student’s scientific inquiry by integrating the
sciences, with a focus on preparing the student for the Connecticut
Academic Performance Test (CAPT). This course builds on the
concepts studied in Foundations of Life Sciences with lab and
incorporates in more detail the principles of chemistry, environmental
topics and physics. The application of scientific concepts
to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. This course
covers areas of chemical reactions, energy transfers in life
processes, and biochemistry. Students will form hypotheses,
design experiments, use technology, analyze data and draw conclusions.
Course content reflects the Connecticut science framework.
HONORS FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE WITH LAB (1
credit)
The honors section is a more rigorous application of the
Foundations of Physical Science with Lab, as previously described. Topics
are covered more in depth and include additional hands-on laboratory
work. Individual student research topics in Physical
Science are emphasized in this course.
BIOLOGY (1 credit)
This course will focus on biological concepts. Topics include the scientific
method of inquiry, as well as the following: basic biochemistry; the study of
cell structure and function; cell physiology; cell reproduction and development;
Mendelian genetics; population genetics; ecology; and the classification, structure
and function of organisms. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences
reinforces the course curriculum. A variety of laboratories provide the student
with opportunities to form hypotheses, design experiments, use technology, analyze
data and draw conclusions.
College
Career Pathways – Students
successfully completing this course can receive advanced
college credit. (Gateway Community College only)
CHEMISTRY (1
credit)
Building on knowledge developed in the previous integrated science courses,
students will be introduced to chemistry topics such as: atomic structure,
chemical bonding, energy changes, stoichiometry, periodicity, properties of
gasses, solutions, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, and organic and biochemistry.
Students will investigate the properties, composition and structure of matter
and the laws that govern the combination of elements and reaction of substances.
The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the
curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of chemistry to various problem-solving
activities with the use of science-specific technologies and standard laboratory
tools.
College
Career Pathways – Students
successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit.
(Gateway Community College only)
HONORS
CHEMISTRY (1 credit)
Honors Chemistry is a laboratory and mathematically-oriented science course.
Basic classical concepts are emphasized in this college preparatory course.
Topics studied will include measurement, atomic and molecular structure and
theory, periodic law, chemical bonding, formulas, equations and stoichiometry,
gases, liquids, solids and solutions, chemical reactions (acid-base and red-ox),
nuclear, and organic chemistry.
*College
Career Pathways – Students
successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit.
(Gateway Community College only)
PHYSICS (1
credit)
Using an applied approach, students will investigate Newton’s laws,
classical mechanics, universal gravitation, astronomy, electricity and electrical
forces and the electromagnetic wave spectrum (EMS). The application of scientific
concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Through participation
in laboratory experiences, students will develop an understanding of connections
between physics and the workings of simple and complex technological devices.
*College
Career Pathways – Students
successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit.
HONORS
PHYSICS (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II
Through this honors physics course, students will gain an in-depth knowledge
and appreciation of the physical world, using both the qualitative and quantitative
study of the principles of physics. The application of scientific concepts
to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Honors physics stresses the
use of mathematics to illuminate the physical situation and problem solving.
The prerequisite for taking this course is successful completion of Algebra
II or, upon permission of instructor, concurrently taking Algebra II.
*College
Career Pathways – Students
successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit.
AP
(Advanced Placement) PHYSICS I AND II (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II
These Advanced Placement courses follow a two-year sequence fulfilling the
science credit requirements for graduation. The course is offered only in Grades
11 and 12, with one credit each year – two credits total. The prerequisite
for taking the course sequence includes successful completion of Algebra II.
Students will gain an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the physical world,
using both the qualitative and quantitative study of the principles of physics.
The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the
course curriculum. Students will prepare for the AP Physics Assessment, stressing
the use of mathematics to illuminate the physical situation and problem solving.
Students may elect to take the AP exam to qualify for college credit in May
of their senior year.
*College
Career Pathways – Students
successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (1 credit)
Environmental Science will train students in standard laboratory operating
procedures and sampling/analysis techniques in the related areas of chemistry,
biology and environmental science. The application of scientific concepts to
trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Training will also take place
in the use of scientific instrumentation, collecting and handling samples in
the field, and safety with regard to state and federal Occupational, Health
and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations as they apply to the workplace.
FORENSICS (1 credit)
This course is designed to challenge students with topics such as fingerprinting;
DNA analysis; blood typing and spattering; trajectories (for ballistics as
well as blood spattering); comparative anatomy; chemical analysis of drugs,
poisons, and trace evidence; and, the dynamics of physics. Students
will learn about the careers involved with Forensic Science and will play
mock roles as experts in the field to solve crimes. They will learn
team work in solving the mock crimes and have a chance to change their roles
as the year progresses. The students will be provided training in the
analysis of data and chemical/biological evidence.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (1 credit)
This course is an introduction to the structure and function of the human body. It
provides students with a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology. This
course includes a study of diseases, conditions, and an emphasis on how various
organ systems maintain homeostasis. The study of human biology incorporate
a variety of learning activities such as problem-solving, hands-on-activities,
experiments, and projects to learn the content. The use of core and advanced
biology equipment includes microscopes, human models, and prepared slides of
the various body sectors.